Biden's citizenship program for spouses faces legal challenge
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A Biden administration initiative aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for up to 500,000 undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens is currently on hold due to a legal challenge from 16 Republican-led states. The challenge was filed just four days after the \"Keeping Families Together\" program went into effect in August, with opponents arguing that it effectively grants amnesty to individuals residing in the country illegally. A federal court hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for November 5, coinciding with Election Day.
Ashley D'Azevedo, president of American Families United, an advocacy group supporting the program, explained that the initiative allows spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the country for over ten years and have no disqualifying criminal background to process their immigration paperwork without having to return to their country of origin. Previously, this requirement often led to prolonged separations and hardships for families, as many faced lengthy waits and potential denials abroad.
D'Azevedo emphasized that the average applicant has lived in the U.S. for 23 years, contributing to the economy and community. She clarified that the program does not create new pathways for undocumented immigrants but simplifies the existing process for those already eligible. While applications submitted before the court's freeze can still progress, no new applications are being approved at this time.
Critics of the program label it as mass amnesty, claiming it encourages illegal immigration. D'Azevedo countered this assertion, noting that the program specifically requires applicants to have been in the U.S. for a decade, thereby not incentivizing new illegal entries.
The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies, particularly with presidential candidates discussing mass deportations, has led some families to delay their applications. D'Azevedo highlighted the fear and trauma experienced by families living under the threat of separation, urging that the program is essential for the well-being of American families and the economy. She remains hopeful that the legal challenges will be resolved favorably, allowing the program to continue its mission of uniting families.
Ashley D'Azevedo, president of American Families United, an advocacy group supporting the program, explained that the initiative allows spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the country for over ten years and have no disqualifying criminal background to process their immigration paperwork without having to return to their country of origin. Previously, this requirement often led to prolonged separations and hardships for families, as many faced lengthy waits and potential denials abroad.
D'Azevedo emphasized that the average applicant has lived in the U.S. for 23 years, contributing to the economy and community. She clarified that the program does not create new pathways for undocumented immigrants but simplifies the existing process for those already eligible. While applications submitted before the court's freeze can still progress, no new applications are being approved at this time.
Critics of the program label it as mass amnesty, claiming it encourages illegal immigration. D'Azevedo countered this assertion, noting that the program specifically requires applicants to have been in the U.S. for a decade, thereby not incentivizing new illegal entries.
The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies, particularly with presidential candidates discussing mass deportations, has led some families to delay their applications. D'Azevedo highlighted the fear and trauma experienced by families living under the threat of separation, urging that the program is essential for the well-being of American families and the economy. She remains hopeful that the legal challenges will be resolved favorably, allowing the program to continue its mission of uniting families.
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